Kenneth Dale Hewett

Kenneth Dale Hewett, 87, passed away April 24, 2025, in Bay City. He was born in Anson, Texas on February 4, 1938, to Eddie Alton "Tudor" and Lula Bele "Chic" Hewett. When he was born, he weighed seven pounds but shortly after, dropped down to two pounds. He was taken to Abilene for surgery and was the first baby in history to survive this surgery.

Ken attended school in Hamlin, TX and graduated with scholarships from McMurry and Sul Ross University for exceling in sports. After three years of college, he joined the army and was stationed a t Fort Riley, KS. From there, he was sent to Korea then to Fort Bragg, NC.

While in North Carolina he met his beloved Louise on a blind date, 10 months later married on August 30, 1964, in Fayetteville, NC.

After his military career ended, now married, he returned to McMurry to finish his bachelor's degree. He graduated in December 1964 and began his career teaching and coaching in Lohn, TX in 1965. In June of 1966 they moved to Colorado City, TX to see if he wanted to continue coaching. I t was there that he decided neither coaching nor the sandstorms of West Texas were for him. He returned to Lohn as Principal and started working on his Master's and Administration certification at Texas State University. Once his education w a s completed, he received a call from Ed Lechler offering him an Assistant Principal's position a t Canton Street Schol in Wharton ISD where he later became principal.

By then, Ken and Louise had three beautiful, amazing children. For Ken to make it in time for the start of school, his youngest, Stacey, was taken straight from the hospital in Brady, TX to Wharton where he began Wharton's newest administrator on August 6, 1969.

He grew up a s a country boy, so gardening was in his blood. As a gardener, he tried to maintain one twice a year, one in the spring and one in the fall.

He was great at all sports and even tried new ones that his family could participate in. Be it fishing, hunting, boating, camping, skiing (both water and snow), golfing, ball games, and swimming. Nothing was off the table.

Ken l oved school and the camaraderie that was formed. He was a dedicated school administrator for many years. He touched the lives of so many throughout his 43-year career. His passion for education was evident in the way he treated his teachers and students. His commitment to shaping young minds w a s accompanied by a nurturing spirit that left a lasting impression on al who had the privilege of either working with him or being a student under him. He was the only administrator in Wharton to get Administrator of the Year. He was always so proud of his employees and the work they produced along with the students they taught.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Esther Louise; daughter Stacey Delaine Hewet (Ben) of Wharton; son Rondel Blake (Sandra) of Katy; grandson Mason Blake (Casey) of Weatherford; granddaughter Christie Nicole of Conroe; and two beautiful granddaughters, Reese Elizabeth and Hadley Grace Hewett. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Rebecca Hales of Winterville, NC; brother Clark (Mary) Hewett of Forney, TX, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his first-born son, Shannon Dale Hewet. A memorial service is scheduled for June 28", 2025, a t 11:00am, at First Baptist Church, 507 North Fulton Street, Wharton, TX 77488.

The family would like to give special thanks to al his wonderful neighbors and friends, as well as Dr. Nathan Nguyen, The Angels and caregivers that touched Ken's life.